Reliability and validity of the telephone-based version of the Montgomery-Asberg depression rating scale for assessing depression in individuals with primary brain tumour

Abstract

Purpose This study aimed to examine interrater reliability and construct validity of the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) semi-structured interview for assessing depression in adults with a primary brain tumour. Materials and methods Fifty adults with a primary brain tumour (mean age = 45.86, SD = 12.48) reporting at least mild distress (Distress Thermometer [DT] ≥ 4) were recruited from a multidisciplinary brain tumour clinic and administered a telephone-based cognitive screener, MADRS, Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS) depression subscale and Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7). Audiotaped interviews were transcribed and then scored by two independent raters. Results Interrater reliability for the MADRS total score was excellent (ICC = 0.98) and ranged from good to excellent (ICC = 0.83–0.96) for MADRS items. The MADRS total score was significantly associated with the DT, DASS depression, and GAD-7 (r = 0.50–0.76, p < 0.001), thus providing evidence of construct validity. Individuals with poorer cognitive function reported higher levels of depression. Conclusions The findings provide psychometric support for the MADRS as a semi-structured interview for assessing depression after brain tumour. Further research investigating the sensitivity and specificity of the MADRS is recommended.